Improving policing services for people of Manus

 Australian High Commission

 

New infrastructure for improving policing services for Manus is a step closer with a contract awarded for the designing a new Lorengau Police Station.

Papua New Guinean firm Alexander & Lloyd Pacific Ltd was selected through an international open tender to formulate a design for the Police Station, as part of a K5 million rebuilding project that will be funded by Australia.

Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Ms Deborah Stokes, said: “This new police station will boost the capacity of the local police to protect the people of Manus. It will demonstrate respect for the important work of the police and the commitment expected of the police in serving their community. It will also be easier for community members to approach police for information and assistance.”

 The design will include private interview rooms for people making complaints and safe facilities for people reporting family and sexual violence.

 After the design is completed, a further tender for construction to rebuild the Lorengau police station is expected to be issued in early 2015, with construction expected to commence mid-2015.

 The rebuilding of the police station will complement the PNG Government’s Police Modernisation Program, including the PNG Government’s investment in additional housing for police. This program seeks to build the professionalism and the enabling environment for PNG’s police personnel.

 The police station will be on top of the additional Australian support package to Manus valued at K65 million, which includes Lorengau Hospital, education infrastructure, Lorengau Market upgrade, community grants and private sector support.